Zulmak, Instrument of Torment, is one of the standout bosses in Destiny 2’s Shadowkeep expansion, offering a distinct challenge within the Pit of Heresy dungeon. Unlike the typical Hive adversaries, Zulmak represents the culmination of the Hive’s twisted experimentation with power and necromancy. Players encountering this fearsome enemy for the first time may find themselves overwhelmed, but with a proper understanding of Zulmak’s mechanics and background, this boss fight can be tackled effectively. In this guide, we’ll explore Zulmak’s origins, attack patterns, optimal strategies, and the lore significance behind this haunting figure in the Destiny universe.
The Origins of Zulmak
Zulmak, Instrument of Torment, is a creation of the Hive, specifically designed for battle and domination. Forged deep within the depths of the Scarlet Keep on the Moon, Zulmak is the product of rituals conducted by the Daughters of Crota. These rituals combined necromantic Hive sorcery with brute strength to produce a new breed of warrior one with relentless aggression and heightened resistance to damage.
Hive Rituals and Creation
The Pit of Heresy is essentially a proving ground, and Zulmak stands at its apex. The Hive engineered Zulmak as a prototype, testing what could be done through dark alchemy and forbidden rites. While he doesn’t possess the divine status of Oryx or the cunning of Savathûn, Zulmak embodies raw physical power and unwavering devotion to the Sword Logic.
Symbolism in the Hive Hierarchy
In Hive culture, might makes right. Zulmak’s title, Instrument of Torment, reflects both his purpose and his fate. He is both a weapon and a victim of the Hive’s endless hunger for strength. Unlike other Hive leaders who gain power through conquest or ascension, Zulmak was bred to suffer, fight, and ultimately die for the Hive cause. His existence reflects the cruelty at the heart of their society.
The Pit of Heresy Dungeon Setting
The Pit of Heresy is a dungeon located beneath the Scarlet Keep. It was introduced as part of Destiny 2’s Shadowkeep content and features multiple bosses, puzzles, and challenges. Zulmak appears at the final stage, offering a climax that requires precision, timing, and teamwork.
Structure of the Encounter
- Three mini-bosses must be defeated first: a Knight, a Wizard, and a Shrieker.
- Each of these enemies drops orbs used to activate pillars around Zulmak’s arena.
- Only after charging all three pillars can damage be dealt to Zulmak.
This layered structure turns the boss fight into a complex dance of movement, orb collection, and survival. Players must be quick on their feet while also coordinating attacks across multiple phases.
Zulmak’s Abilities and Attack Patterns
Understanding Zulmak’s combat style is essential for surviving the fight. His attacks are heavily melee-based but can cover large areas and apply significant pressure, especially when the arena becomes chaotic.
Primary Attacks
- Solar Slam: Zulmak jumps into the air and slams the ground with his massive sword, dealing area-of-effect damage.
- Sweeping Strikes: He performs wide sword swings that can wipe out Guardians in close range.
- Energy Pulses: After absorbing energy from the ritual pillars, he emits damaging pulses across the platform.
Because his movements are relatively telegraphed, attentive players can dodge his attacks. However, the problem arises from the constant spawning of lesser Hive enemies that can distract or overwhelm during critical moments.
Boss Phase Mechanics
Each damage phase only becomes available after charging the pillars with orbs. Once all pillars are lit, Zulmak kneels at the center, allowing Guardians a brief window to inflict damage. After the window ends, he unleashes a blast that knocks players back and resets the cycle. Coordination and quick orb delivery are key to repeating the process efficiently.
Best Loadouts and Team Strategies
Success in defeating Zulmak depends on your loadout and team roles. High damage output and ad-clear abilities are both necessary to progress through each phase safely and efficiently.
Recommended Subclasses
- Warlock: Well of Radiance (Solar) for survivability and boss damage phase.
- Titan: Bubble Shield (Void) for defense and weapons of light buff.
- Hunter: Tether (Void) or Golden Gun (Solar) for crowd control or burst damage.
Effective Weapons
- Heavy: Rockets (Gjallarhorn), Linear Fusion Rifles, or Swords for quick burst damage.
- Special: Shotguns or Fusion Rifles for close-range damage.
- Primary: Auto Rifles or SMGs for ad-clear and consistent DPS.
During the orb collection phases, designate one player to gather the charges while others provide cover and eliminate Hive enemies. This reduces chaos and increases efficiency during each rotation.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Players often struggle with Zulmak not because of his strength, but due to miscommunication and chaotic movement. Here are the most frequent mistakes made during the encounter:
- Not clearing ads quickly enough: Overwhelming Hive mobs can trap or kill players trying to collect orbs.
- Missing damage windows: Delays in charging the pillars result in missed opportunities for DPS.
- Poor positioning: Getting too close to Zulmak during his attack animation often leads to unnecessary deaths.
To prevent these issues, assign roles before entering the arena. One player can focus on orb runs, while the others manage ad control and pillar activation. Maintain good communication and keep your Super abilities available for the final damage phase.
Rewards and Loot
Defeating Zulmak provides powerful loot, including gear tied to the Moon and Hive themes. While some of the armor has unique visual styles, the weapons gained from this encounter can also roll with excellent PvE-focused perks.
Loot Highlights
- Premonition Pulse Rifle
- Heretic Rocket Launcher
- Dreambane Armor Set
These rewards are not only effective in further dungeon runs but also valuable for endgame PvE content. The Dreambane Armor is especially useful for activities involving Nightmare enemies due to its mod compatibility.
The Legacy of Zulmak
Although Zulmak does not have the same recognition as Hive gods like Oryx or Xol, his presence in the Pit of Heresy marks a significant shift in Hive experimentation. He represents a turning point in the narrative, hinting that the Hive are evolving and testing new methods of war. His defeat, while triumphant for Guardians, foreshadows darker threats on the horizon. As long as the Hive continue to forge weapons like Zulmak, new dangers will emerge from the shadows.
In the end, Zulmak, Instrument of Torment, is more than just a boss fight he is a warning. A symbol that the Hive are never done adapting. For Guardians willing to dive deep into dungeons and face the terror within, understanding Zulmak is a necessary step toward mastering the darkness that looms across the stars.